INTRODUCTION: Scientists working in the area of HIV / AIDS prevention rely on valid respondent reports of risk behavior. Research suggests that increasing respondent privacy would promote more accurate reporting of socially sensitive behaviors. However, until recently researchers attempting to increase reporting privacy by using self-administered assessment methods have faced the opposing dilemma of low literacy levels among many high-risk populations. Computer-based self-report assessment technologies, such as Audio-Computerized Assisted Self Interview (A-CASI) have been developed to provide respondents with increased reporting privacy without requiring literacy skills. Recently, user-friendly bundled computer software packages have been developed, allowing investigators to program their own A-CASI instrumentation without the expense of professional programmers. The current paper discusses the issues involved with the in-house development and field-level implementation of audio computer-assisted assessment techniques, including discussion of respondent acceptability based on cognitive assessment methods. In addition, there will be discussion of instrument development issues with current A-CASI software packages. METHODS: Respondent acceptability of A-CASI assessment was evaluated using the cognitive assessment approach in which survey items are followed by verbal probes designed to assess potential sources of measurement error. The present study investigated the acceptability of A-CASI among adolescent boys (n=10) and their fathers (n=10). Instrument development issues discussed are based on investigator experiences and observation. RESULTS: Cognitive assessment data were content analyzed and findings discussed. DISCUSSION: Cognitive assessment data revealed a high level of respondent acceptance of A-CASI. Issues concerning instrument development include software expense, technical issues, and staffing needs.
Learning Objectives: Researchers and program developers will be more equipped to evaluate and develop effective programs for HIV/AIDS prevention and prevention programs that are designed to improve and strengthen families, if they receive more accurate reporting of socially sensitive behaviors
Keywords: Data Collection, Methodology
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.